Veterans well-cared for at Sunnybrook, review finds

War veterans living at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre are being well cared for, although some relatively minor improvements need to be implemented, a review of the facility has determined.

While a small number of “high needs” patients and their families have shared some concerns that need to be addressed, veterans are receiving care that meets or exceeds provincial standards, Dr. Karima Velji, who conducted the review, said following a press conference in the Veterans Centre Wednesday.

“Majority, if not all, of the residents I spoke with during my review just expressed outstanding support for the care and compassion of the staff and the centre and the care they get at the centre,” she told The Mirror.

“It’s very good care. It’s high-quality care.”

Velji, chief operating officer and chief nursing executive at Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care, was called in to review veterans’ residences after some families last year expressed concern with the care of their loved ones.

The results of a second review are expected next month.

Dr. Barry McLellan, Sunnybrook president, and Malcolm Moffat, executive vice-president, said the hospital will implement changes Velji recommended, including introducing a better complaints process, meeting more with families and minimizing patient moves in the centre.

Don Stewart, president of the veteran residents’ council, said veterans receive outstanding care at Sunnybrook.

“The care we get here and the way we are treated are unreal. I can’t say anything bad about Sunnybrook,” the veteran of the Second World War said.